That Was Then & This Is Now: Noah Kahan

Before “Stick Season” became a massive hit and Noah Kahan was playing stadiums, he was a Vermont singer-songwriter building a following with honest lyrics, catchy melodies and songs that felt a little more personal than your average pop hit.

For this edition of That Was Then & This Is Now, we’re going back to 2018 — and then catching up with Noah today.

THAT WAS THEN: “False Confidence”

Released in 2018, “False Confidence” came from Noah’s early years as a recording artist, before his breakthrough album Stick Season introduced his music to a much wider audience.

The song showed off the thoughtful songwriting and relatable vulnerability that would become hallmarks of Noah’s music. Even before the major hits and sold-out shows, he had a knack for turning complicated feelings into songs that stick with you.

It was an early glimpse of what was to come.

THIS IS NOW: “Orbiter”

Fast-forward to 2026, and Noah Kahan has reached an entirely new level of success.

“Orbiter,” from his album The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs, showcases the reflective, emotionally honest songwriting that fans have come to love, with a sound shaped by the experiences and perspective he’s gained along the way.

After the enormous success of Stick Season, Noah has continued to build on his signature style while exploring what it means to grow, change and stay connected to the people who matter most.

From “False Confidence” to “Orbiter,” it’s a look at how far Noah Kahan has come — without losing the honesty that made people connect with his music in the first place. That was then. This is now.